A review of Borno State budget performance documents shows that a total of N6 billion was spent over eighteen months on the rehabilitation of “repentant” Boko Haram members.
According to the documents, the funds were allocated for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former insurgents.
Between January and September 2024, N3.45 billion was spent out of a budgeted N3.46 billion, and a further N7.4 billion was earmarked for 2025.
A separate review of the Borno State budget performance document for the third quarter of 2025 shows that N2.6 billion was spent on “repentant Boko Haram members” between January and September — the first to third quarters of the year.
The payments are listed under “livelihood support for Repentant Boko Haram Members.” The document states that N758.1 million of that amount was disbursed between July and September alone.
Earlier reporting quoted frontline Nigerian soldiers in Yobe and Borno who accused government-backed “repentant” insurgents of leaking critical military strategies, positions and weapon details to their former commanders.
The soldiers, serving at multiple bases across the Northeast, described the policy of integrating “repentant” fighters into operations as a “deadly mistake that continues to cost lives.”
One serviceman had said that the so-called repentant fighters routinely brief terrorist leaders about Nigerian Army movements and plans before major attacks.
“Before Boko Haram attack any military camp in the Northeast, they already know how we operate. These repentant fighters tell them everything,” the soldier revealed.
“They expose how many men we deploy at the gate or entrance, the kind of weapons we carry, even the daily routine in the camp.”
He added that the leaks had made many soldiers extremely vulnerable.
“They tell Boko Haram that every evening between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm, all soldiers must return to camp for what we call ‘stand 2’ — the period when we observe enemy movements. They also tell them where our armoury is located — where we keep rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, hand grenades, and bombs.”
According to the soldier, the sabotage also extends to logistics and supplies.
Despite Borno State’s spending on livelihood support for “repentant” members, attacks by the same sect have continued. In April, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum warned that Boko Haram terrorists were regrouping in the Tumbus area of Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills, both within the Sambisa Forest.
Acknowledging the military’s efforts, the governor said challenges remain in effectively combating an escalating terrorist threat and called for urgent action. He argued that kinetic measures must be complemented by non-kinetic approaches.
“Borno State has, within the last three years, received more than 300,000 repentant Boko Haram fighters, and not all of them are fighters. Some of them are farmers,” he noted.
“Manpower is very essential. While I’m aware of the constraints of the Nigerian Army—because right now, you are everywhere in Nigeria: the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, as well as southern Nigeria—I’m aware of your limitations.
“But still, considering the northeastern region, the Nigerian Army should look into the possibility of sending more trained manpower. There is a difference between Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits.”
He also warned that ISWAP and Boko Haram receive international support and highlighted porous borders as a major vulnerability.
“ISWAP and Boko Haram are terrorists getting support internationally, and looking at our porous borders, they remain infiltrated through the Sahel, which is our major problem.
“If the Sahel is not secured, Nigeria will never be secured. So, there is a need for us to fortify the security situation in the Sahel with a view to ending the crisis in the entire nation.”
The governor urged enhanced air support and technology procurement for the military.
“We need air support. I know the kind of constraints you face accessing fighter helicopters and others, but attack helicopters are very important in these areas, and drones are also very important.”
“The last attack that happened in Wulgo, carried out by ISWAP and Boko Haram—a confirmed statement said it was carried out with the support of armed drones. They hit the MNJTF with drones.”
“This is the time for the Nigerian military to rise again and procure sophisticated drones and anti-drone equipment so that we get rid of these problems.”
SaharaReporters (November 7, 2025).
